Improving perioperative acetaminophen administration for safer and cost-effective multimodal analgesia in pediatric surgery: A QI initiative.

BACKGROUND: The use of acetaminophen in the perioperative period has emerged as an attractive option for providing safer and cost-effective analgesia in children. AIMS: The primary aim of our project was to increase the use of acetaminophen (both oral and intravenous) in the perioperative period from a baseline of 39.5% to 50% for all surgical patients within 24 months. The secondary aim was to increase the use of enteral acetaminophen from 10% to 52.5% during the same period. METHODS: A multidisciplinary team was formed, and model for improvement was chosen as the QI methodology. The primary measure was the total percentage of surgical patients receiving any form of perioperative acetaminophen, while our secondary measure was the percentage use of oral acetaminophen administration. We also tracked the average maximum PACU (Post Anesthesia Care Unit) pain scores and the percentage of patients receiving IV opioids. Multiple interventions were conducted, including education, increasing the availability of acetaminophen, and optimizing the electronic medical record (EMR). Monthly data was collected using an automated report in the EMR. RESULTS: We successfully achieved our goal, increasing the use of acetaminophen from 39.5% to 70% within four months. Despite some fluctuations, by the end of 24 months, we not only met but surpassed our goal, with 63% of patients receiving perioperative acetaminophen. Similarly, the usage of oral acetaminophen increased from a baseline of 10% to 78%. Our average maximum PACU pain scores improved from 5.4 to 5.2, and the percentage of patients receiving rescue opioids decreased from 15.4 to 13.1. CONCLUSION: We successfully achieved and sustained our goals of improving acetaminophen use for our surgical patients without worsening pain scores or worsening use of intravenous opioids. Future directions include further refining our strategies and exploring additional opportunities to optimize pain management in pediatric perioperative settings.

Stroke emboli from patients with atrial fibrillation enriched with neutrophil extracellular traps.

Background: Recent literature has demonstrated remarkable heterogeneity in the composition of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) emboli, which may impact susceptibility to therapy. Objectives: In this study, we explored differences in proteomic composition of retrieved embolic material from patients with stroke with and without atrial fibrillation (AF) (AF+ and AF-, respectively). Methods: The full proteome of retrieved thromboembolic material from 24 patients with AIS was obtained by mass spectrometry. Known marker proteins were assigned groups representing broad classes of embolus components: red blood cells, platelets, neutrophils, eosinophils, histones, complement, and other clotting-associated proteins (eg, fibrinogen). Relative protein abundances were compared between AF+ and AF- samples. Functional implications of differences were explored with gene set enrichment analysis and Gene Ontology enrichment analysis and visualization tool. Results: One hundred sixty-six proteins were differentially expressed between AF+ and AF- specimens. Eight out of the 15 neutrophil proteins (P < .05; fold change, >2) and 4 of the 14 histone proteins were significantly enriched in AF+ emboli (P < .05; fold change, >2). Gene set enrichment analysis revealed a significant representation of proteins from published neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) proteomic gene sets. The most significantly represented functional Gene Ontology pathways in patients with AF involved neutrophil activation and degranulation (P < 1 × 10-7). Conclusion: The present analysis suggests enrichment of NETs in emboli of patients with stroke and AF. NETs are a significant though understudied structural component of thrombi. This work suggests not only unique stroke biology in AF but also potential therapeutic targets for AIS in this population.

Histone content, and thus DNA content, is associated with differential in vitro lysis of acute ischemic stroke clots.

BACKGROUND: Fibrin, von Willebrand factor, and extracellular DNA from neutrophil extracellular traps all contribute to acute ischemic stroke thrombus integrity. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we explored how the proteomic composition of retrieved thromboemboli relates to susceptibility to lysis with distinct thrombolytics. METHODS: Twenty-six retrieved stroke thromboemboli were portioned into 4 segments, with each subjected to 1 hour of in vitro lysis at 37 °C in 1 of 4 solutions: tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), tPA + von Willebrand factor-cleaving ADAMTS-13, tPA + DNA-cleaving deoxyribonuclease (DNase) I, and all 3 enzymes. Lysis, characterized by the percent change in prelysis and postlysis weight, was compared across the solutions and related to the corresponding abundance of proteins identified on mass spectrometry for each of the thromboemboli used in lysis. RESULTS: Solutions containing DNase resulted in approximately 3-fold greater thrombolysis than that with the standard-of-care tPA solution (post hoc Tukey, P < .01 for all). DNA content was directly related to lysis in solutions containing DNase (Spearman's ρ > 0.39 and P < .05 for all significant histones) and inversely related to lysis in solutions without DNase (Spearman's ρ < -0.40 and P < .05 for all significant histones). Functional analysis suggests distinct pathways associated with susceptibility to thrombolysis with tPA (platelet-mediated) or DNase (innate immune system-mediated). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates synergy of DNase and tPA in thrombolysis of stroke emboli and points to DNase as a potential adjunct to our currently limited selection of thrombolytics in treating acute ischemic stroke.

Pediatric influenza vaccination in the perioperative setting: A quality improvement project.

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND: Unmet need for seasonal influenza vaccination administration to pediatric patients exists at national and local levels. Vaccination during the perioperative period remains controversial, though opportunity exists to meet vaccination need through perioperative programs. The initial SMART Aim of this quality improvement initiative was to establish and increase seasonal influenza vaccination rate in eligible patients during in person preoperative clinic visits in a pediatric perioperative surgical home (PSH) to 10%. Informed by each prior season's experience, we increased our SMART Aim target for vaccinations in seasons two and three to 15 and 18%, respectively. METHODS: Following the Model for Improvement methodology, the PSH team developed and implemented a perioperative pediatric influenza vaccination program. Across three influenza seasons, key interventions included updates to organizational perioperative vaccination policy, obtaining material influenza vaccination supplies, development of EHR tools, PSH staff education, and communication with patient-families. Rate of eligible patients receiving influenza vaccination at their PSH clinic appointment was tracked over time. Influenza vaccination rates were reported monthly during Season 1, then weekly during seasons two and three. The balancing measure was same day surgery case cancellations related to influenza vaccination given at PSH clinic appointment. Statistical analysis methods utilized include Shewart's control chart and statistical process control (SPC) standards. Special cause variation was determined by eight or more consecutive data points above or below the centerline. RESULTS: The influenza vaccination rates in each of the three influenza seasons exceeded vaccination rate goals of 10, 15, and 18%, respectively. A total of 695 vaccines have been administered since program inception. No same day surgical case cancellations were observed as balancing measure. CONCLUSIONS: Over three consecutive influenza vaccination seasons, we safely established and met vaccination rate goals of 10, 15, and 18% to eligible patients during preoperative clinic visits within a pediatric PSH system. Through iterative PDSA cycles, we continue to identify opportunities for future improvement. This suggests that the perioperative period presents opportunity for seasonal influenza vaccination with potential program expansion to include routine vaccines of childhood.

Safety and efficacy comparison of embolic agents for middle meningeal artery embolization for chronic subdural hematoma.

OBJECTIVE: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the efficacy of middle meningeal artery embolization in terms of both clinical and radiographic outcomes, when performed with different embolic agents. METHODS: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the impact of embolic agents on outcomes for middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization. The use of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with or without (±) coils, N-butyl cyanoacrylate (n-BCA) ± coils, and Onyx alone were separately evaluated. Primary outcome measures were recurrence, the need for surgical rescue and in-hospital periprocedural complications. RESULTS: Thirty-one studies were identified with a total of 1,134 patients, with 786 receiving PVA, 167 receiving n-BCA, and 181 patients receiving Onyx. There was no difference in the recurrence rate (5.5% for PVA, 4.5% for n-BCA, and 6.5% for Onyx, with P=0.71) or need for surgical rescue (5.0% for PVA, 4.0% for n-BCA, and 6.9% for Onyx, with P=0.89) based on the embolic agent. Procedural complications also did not differ between embolic agents (1.8% for PVA, 3.6% for n-BCA, and 1.6% for Onyx, with P=0.48). CONCLUSIONS: Rates of recurrence, need for surgical rescue, and periprocedural complication following MMA embolization are not impacted by the type of embolic agent utilized. Ongoing clinical trials may be used to further investigate these findings.

Symptomatic carotid artery intraluminal thrombus: risk of medical management failure and distal embolization.

BACKGROUND: Carotid artery intraluminal thrombus (ILT), or free-floating thrombus, is an uncommon cerebrovascular entity with considerable equipoise regarding its clinical management. Likewise, in patients treated with medical management (MM), distal embolization and/or intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) may still occur. METHODS: All patients with symptomatic ILT from 2016 to 2023 were identified from our tertiary care institution. Patients with MM failure (recurrent cerebral ischemia and/or symptomatic ICH) were compared with patients with MM non-failure. Differences in ILT volume and length were calculated. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to identify the cut-off volume and length for risk of MM failure. RESULTS: In total, 45 patients with ILT were identified with 41 treated with frontline MM. Of these 41 patients treated with MM, seven (17%) had MM failure with six (14.6%) having new embolic stroke and one (2.3%) with symptomatic ICH. Patients with MM failure had a significantly higher mean thrombus volume than MM non-failure patients (257 mm3 vs 59.6 mm3, P=0.0006). Likewise, patients with MM failure had significantly longer thrombus on average (21 mm vs 6.6 mm, P=0.0009). ROC curve analysis showed that an ILT volume of 90 mm3 resulted in a sensitivity of 71.4% and specificity of 85.3% for MM failure (AUC 0.775; CI 0.55 to 1.0, P=0.023). CONCLUSIONS: Carotid ILTs that fail MM are significantly larger and longer. These findings suggest that a thrombus volume of 90 mm3 may serve as a guide for intervention with good sensitivity and specificity for risk of MM failure.

Ischemic Stroke Thrombus Perviousness Is Associated with Distinguishable Proteomic Features and Susceptibility to ADAMTS13-Augmented Thrombolysis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Perviousness is the differential attenuation on CT of an intracranial arterial occlusive thrombus before and after IV contrast administration. While perviousness/permeability has been shown to be related to various clinical outcomes and reflects histopathologic composition, it remains unclear whether perviousness is also associated with differences in proteomic composition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrieved clots from 59 patients were evaluated with quantitative mass spectrometry. Proteomic differences between high-perviousness (≥11 HU) and low-perviousness (<11 HU) clots were investigated. Perviousness as a continuous variable was also correlated with protein abundance. Last, an ex vivo lysis assay was performed to investigate the differential susceptibility to tPA, deoxyribonuclease, and ADAMTS13 thrombolysis as a function of perviousness. RESULTS: In total, 2790 distinct proteins were identified. Thrombus perviousness was associated with distinct proteomic features, including depletion of the macrophage marker CD14 (P = .039, z = 1.176) and hemoglobin subunit ζ (P = .046, z = 1.68) in pervious clots. Additionally, proteins involved in platelet cytoskeleton remodeling (tropomyosin α-3-chain) and granule secretion/aggregation (synaptotagmin-like protein 4/FC region receptor II-a) were associated with increasing perviousness (P < .006), among numerous other proteins. Monocyte/macrophage-associated proteins (apoptosis-associated specklike protein containing a CARD/SAMHD1) were also depleted in pervious emboli (P < .002). Ex vivo lysis indicated that pervious clots were more susceptible to ADAMTS13-augmented tPA thrombolysis compared with impervious clots (P < .05), though without differences in deoxyribonuclease digestion. CONCLUSIONS: Thrombus perviousness is associated with complex proteomic features, including differential abundance of platelet-related proteins in highly permeable clots with monocyte/macrophage depletion. This association may help to explain why highly pervious thrombi were also found more susceptible to ADAMTS13-augmented thrombolysis.

CT hyperdense cerebral artery sign reflects distinct proteomic composition in acute ischemic stroke thrombus.

BACKGROUND: Hyperdense cerebral artery sign (HCAS) is an imaging biomarker in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) that has been shown to be associated with various clinical outcomes and stroke etiology. While prior studies have correlated HCAS with histopathological composition of cerebral thrombus, it is unknown whether and to what extent HCAS is also associated with distinct clot protein composition. METHODS: Thromboembolic material from 24 patients with AIS were retrieved via mechanical thrombectomy and evaluated with mass spectrometry in order to characterize their proteomic composition. Presence (+) or absence (-) of HCAS on preintervention non-contrast head CT was then determined and correlated with thrombus protein signature with abundance of individual proteins calculated as a function HCAS status. RESULTS: 24 clots with 1797 distinct proteins in total were identified. 14 patients were HCAS(+) and 10 were HCAS(-). HCAS(+) were most significantly differentially abundant in actin cytoskeletal protein (P=0.002, Z=2.82), bleomycin hydrolase (P=0.007, Z=2.44), arachidonate 12-lipoxygenase (P=0.004, Z=2.60), and lysophospholipase D (P=0.007, Z=2.44), among other proteins; HCAS(-) clots were differentially enriched in soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor (NSF) attachment protein (P=0.0009, Z=3.11), tyrosine-protein kinase Fyn (P=0.002, Z=2.84), and several complement proteins (P<0.05, Z>1.71 for all), among numerous other proteins. Additionally, HCAS(-) thrombi were enriched in biological processes involved with plasma lipoprotein and protein-lipid remodeling/assembling, and lipoprotein metabolic processes (P<0.001), as well as cellular components including mitochondria (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: HCAS is reflective of distinct proteomic composition in AIS thrombus. These findings suggest that imaging can be used to identify mechanisms of clot formation or maintenance at the protein level, and might inform future research on thrombus biology and imaging characterization.

Preoperative Embolization of Meningiomas Facilitates Reduced Surgical Complications and Improved Clinical Outcomes : A Meta-analysis of Matched Cohort Studies.

PURPOSE: The utility of preoperative embolization (PE) of intracranial meningiomas is unclear and controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of PE on meningioma surgical resection by completing a meta-analysis of matched cohort studies. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of matched cohort studies was completed to evaluate the effect of PE on meningioma resection and outcomes. Outcome measures included: intraoperative blood loss, major surgical complications, total surgical complications including minor ones, total major complications including major surgical and embolization complications, total overall complications, and postoperative functional independence defined as modified Rankin Score (mRS) of 0-2. Pooled odds ratios (OR) were determined via a fixed effects model. RESULTS: A total of 6 matched cohort studies were identified with 219 embolized and 215 non-embolized meningiomas. There was no significant difference in intraoperative blood loss between the two groups (P = 0.87); however, the embolization group had a significantly lower odds ratio of major surgically related complications (OR: 0.37, 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.21-0.67, P = 0.0009, I2 = 0%), but no difference in minor surgical complications (P = 0.86). While there was a significantly lower odds ratio of total overall surgical and PE-related complications in PE cases (OR: 0.64, CI: 0.41-1.0, P = 0.05, I2 = 66%), there was no difference in total combined major complications between the groups (OR: 0.57, CI: 0.27-1.18, P = 0.13, I2 = 33%). Lastly, PE was associated with a higher odds ratio of functional independence on postoperative follow-up (OR: 2.3, CI: 1.06-5.02, P = 0.04, I2 = 0%). CONCLUSION: For certain meningiomas, PE facilitates lower overall complications, lower major surgical complications, and improved functional independence. Further research is required to identify the particular subset of meningiomas that benefit from PE.

Mechanical Thrombectomy for Ischemic Stroke Secondary to Large Vessel Occlusions in Patients on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.

INTRODUCTION: The use of short-term mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices and procedures for function- and life-sustaining therapy is becoming a routine practice at many centers. Concomitant with the increasing use of MCS is the increasing recognition of acute brain injuries, including acute ischemic stroke, which may be caused by a myriad of MCS-driven factors. The aim of this case series was to document our experience with mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for ischemic stroke in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a prospectively maintained database of patients undergoing endovascular thrombectomy for large vessel occlusion at our institution. We identified patients that were on ECMO and underwent thrombectomy. Baseline demographics and procedural and functional outcomes were collected. RESULTS: Three patients on ECMO were identified to have a large vessel occlusion and underwent thrombectomy. Two patients had an internal carotid artery terminus occlusion and one had a basilar artery occlusion. An mTICI 3 recanalization was achieved in all patients without postoperative hemorrhagic complications. Two patients achieved a 3-month mRS of 1, while one had mRS 4. CONCLUSION: Ischemic stroke can be associated with significant morbidity in MCS patients. We demonstrate that MT can be safely performed in this patient population with good outcomes.

Impact of aspiration catheter size on clinical outcomes in aspiration thrombectomy.

BACKGROUND: Direct aspiration thrombectomy is a well-established method for mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke. Yet, the influence of aspiration catheter internal diameter (ID) on aspiration thrombectomy efficacy is incompletely understood. METHODS: A systematic literature review and meta-regression analysis was completed to evaluate the impact of primary aspiration thrombectomy outcomes based on the ID of the aspiration catheter. Primary outcome measures were: final recanalization of modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Ischemia (mTICI) 2b-3 with aspiration only and with rescue modalities, first pass effect (FPE), need for rescue modalities, intracranial hemorrhagic complication rates, and functional outcomes of 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) of 0-2. RESULTS: 30 studies were identified with 3228 patients. Meta-regression analysis revealed a significant association between increasing aspiration catheter ID and FPE (p=0.032), between ID and final recanalization with aspiration only (p=0.05), and between ID size and recanalization including cases with rescue modalities (p=0.002). Further, subgroup analysis indicated that catheters with an ID ≥0.064 inch had a lower rate of need for rescue than smaller catheters (p=0.013). Additionally, catheters with an ID ≥0.068 inch had a higher rate of intracranial bleeding complications (p=0.025). Lastly, no significant association was found in functional outcomes overall. CONCLUSIONS: Larger aspiration catheters are associated with a higher rate of FPE, final recanalization with only an aspiration catheter, and in cases with rescue modalities, though with a higher rate of hemorrhagic complications. These findings confirm that aspiration catheter size functions as a variable in aspiration thrombectomy, which should be considered in future study and trial design.

Endovascular thrombectomy with or without intravenous thrombolysis in acute basilar artery occlusion ischemic stroke: A meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: It is poorly understood if endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) with or without intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) better facilitates clinical outcomes in patients with acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO) ischemic stroke. METHODS: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis was completed to investigate the outcomes of EVT with IVT versus direct EVT alone in acute BAO. Data was collected from the literature and pooled with the authors' institutional experience. The primary outcome measure was 90-day modified Rankin sale (mRS) of 0-2. Secondary measures were successful post-thrombectomy recanalization defined as mTICI ≥2b, 90-day mortality, and rate of symptomatic ICH. RESULTS: Our institutional experience combined with three multicenter studies resulted in a total of 1,127 patients included in the meta-analysis. 756 patients underwent EVT alone, while 371 were treated with EVT+IVT. Patients receiving EVT+IVT had a higher odds of achieving a 90-day mRS of ≤ 2 compared to EVT alone (OR: 1.50, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.95, P =0.002, I2 =0%). EVT+IVT also had a lower odds of 90-day mortality (OR: 0.57, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.89, P=0.01, I2=24%). There was no difference in sICH between the two groups (OR: 1.0, 95% CI: 0.56 to 1.79, P=0.99, I2=0%). There was also no difference in post-thrombectomy recanalization rates defined as mTICI ≥2b (OR: 1.11, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.75, P = 0.65, I2=37%). CONCLUSIONS: On meta-analysis, EVT with bridging IVT results in superior 90-day functional outcomes and lower 90-day mortality without increase in symptomatic ICH. These findings likely deserve further validation in a randomized controlled setting.

Observation versus intervention for Borden type I intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula: A pooled analysis of 469 patients.

BACKGROUND: While it is thought that Borden Type I intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF) have a benign clinical course, their management remains controversial. METHODS: A comparative meta-analysis was completed to evaluate the outcomes of intervention verses observation of Borden Type I intracranial dAVF. Outcome measures included: grade progression, worsening symptoms, death due to dAVF, permanent complications other than death, functional independence (mRS 0-2), and rate of death combined with permanent complication, were evaluated. Risk differences (RD) were determined using a random effects model. RESULTS: Three comparative studies combined with the authors' institutional experience resulted in a total of 469 patients, with 279 patients who underwent intervention and 190 who were observed. There was no significant difference in dAVF grade progression between the intervention and observation arms, 1.8% vs. 0.7%, respectively (RD: 0.01, 95% CI: -0.02 to 0.04, P = 0.49), or in symptom progression occurring in 31/279 (11.1%) intervention patients and 11/190 (5.8%) observation patients (RD: 0.03, CI: -0.02 to 0.09, P = 0.28). There was also no significant difference in functional independence on follow up. However, there was a significantly higher risk of dAVF related death, permanent complication from either intervention or dAVF related ICH or stroke in the intervention group (11/279, 3.9%) compared to the observation group (0/190, 0%) (RD: 0.04, CI: 0.1 to 0.06, P = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Intervention of Borden Type I dAVF results in a higher risk of death or permanent complication, which should be strongly considered when deciding on management of these lesions.

Approaches to and outcomes of intra-arterial tPA in embolectomy for large vessel occlusion.

INTRODUCTION: Intra-arterial tissue plasminogen activator (IA tPA) is sometimes used in conjunction with aspiration catheters and stentrievers to achieve recanalization in endovascular thrombectomy (ET) for large vessel occlusion (LVO). Reports of safety and efficacy of this approach are limited by technical heterogeneity and sample size. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a data set of patients undergoing ET for LVO between August 2017 and September 2020 to identify those that received IA tPA. IA tPA usage, timing and dosage was at the discretion of the operative neurosurgeon. We identified three broad categories of IA tPA administration: (1) adjunctive with the first pass; (2) salvage with subsequent passes after first pass achieved incomplete revascularization; and (3) post-thrombectomy residual distal occlusions. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed to test associations with recanalization, hemorrhage, and functional independence. RESULTS: Among 271 patients, 158 (58%) patients had IA tPA, of which 83 received adjuvant IA tPA, 60 received salvage IA tPA, and 15 received post-thrombectomy IA tPA for distal occlusions. There were no differences in demographics, stroke etiology and premorbid medications between these groups. Patients receiving salvage IA tPA had longer times from groin access to recanalization and more passes, as expected. On multivariate analysis neither adjunctive nor salvage IA tPA was significantly associated with recanalization, post-operative hemorrhage, or functional outcomes. On univariate analysis, patients receiving salvage IA tPA had lower rates of TICI 3 or 2b revascularization (80% vs. 89% adjunctive and 92% no IA tPA, p =  0.003) and higher rates of any postoperative hemorrhage (33% vs. 22% adjunctive and 19% no IA tPA, p =  0.003). CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective, single-institution series, IA tPA used adjunctively or as salvage therapy in ET for LVO was not associated with recanalization, post-operative hemorrhage, or functional outcomes, suggesting IA tPA is an available modality that can be utilized in cases of recalcitrant clots.

Mobile Stroke Unit Operational Metrics: Institutional Experience, Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: The available literature on mobile stroke units (MSU) has focused on clinical outcomes, rather than operational performance. Our objective was to establish normalized metrics and to conduct a meta-analysis of the current literature on MSU performance. Methods: Our MSU in upstate New York serves 741,000 people. We present prospectively collected, retrospectively analyzed data from the inception of our MSU in October of 2018, through March of 2021. Rates of transportation/dispatch and MSU utilization were reported. We also performed a meta-analysis using MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and Cochrane Library databases, calculating rates of tPA/dispatch, tPA-per-24-operational-hours ("per day"), mechanical thrombectomy (MT)/dispatch and MT/day. Results: Our MSU was dispatched 1,719 times in 606 days (8.5 dispatches/24-operational-hours) and transported 324 patients (18.8%) to the hospital. Intravenous tPA was administered in 64 patients (3.7% of dispatches) and the rate of tPA/day was 0.317 (95% CI 0.150-0.567). MT was performed in 24 patients (1.4% of dispatches) for a MT/day rate of 0.119 (95% CI 0.074-0.163). The MSU was in use for 38,742 minutes out of 290,760 total available minutes (13.3% utilization rate). Our meta-analysis included 14 articles. Eight studies were included in the analysis of tPA/dispatch (342/5,862) for a rate of 7.2% (95% CI 4.8-9.5%, I2 = 92%) and 11 were included in the analysis of tPA/day (1,858/4,961) for a rate of 0.358 (95% CI 0.215-0.502, I2 = 99%). Seven studies were included for MT/dispatch (102/5,335) for a rate of 2.0% (95% CI 1.2-2.8%, I2 = 67%) and MT/day (103/1,249) for a rate of 0.092 (95% CI 0.046-0.138, I2 = 91%). Conclusions: In this single institution retrospective study and meta-analysis, we outline the following operational metrics: tPA/dispatch, tPA/day, MT/dispatch, MT/day, and utilization rate. These metrics are useful for internal and external comparison for institutions with or considering developing mobile stroke programs.

Endovascular Therapy is Effective for Large Vessel Occlusion Despite Concurrent Cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Ischemic stroke and concurrent cancer is increasingly recognized. However, optimal management is uncertain. As mechanical thrombectomy has become the standard of care for large vessel occlusion, more patients with cancer are presenting for embolectomy. However, it is unknown whether this subgroup has the same benefit profile described in multiple randomized trials for thrombectomy for large vessel occlusion. Our objective was to retrospectively evaluate a North American embolectomy database for safety and outcomes in patients with active cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case series of 284 embolectomies over 30 months at a single North American stroke center were divided into thrombectomy patients with active cancer(n=25) and those without active cancer (n=259). We compared patient characteristics, procedural characteristics, and procedural outcomes between patients with and without active cancer. Univariate and multivariate analysis of angiographic outcomes, postoperative hemorrhage, and functional outcome was performed. RESULTS: Of the 284 thrombectomy cases, 9% were performed on patients with active cancer. Active cancer patients had a similar recanalization grade and post-operative hemorrhage rate, compared to patients without cancer. Active cancer patients had a significantly higher 90 day mortality (40% vs 20%, p=0.018). On multivariate analysis, good functional outcome (mRS 0-2) was not impacted by active cancer. However, when mRS was evaluated as an ordinal shift analysis, worse functional outcome was associated with active cancer (OR 2.98; 95% CI, 1.29 to 6.59), greater age, NIHSS> 10, and ASPECTS<9. CONCLUSIONS: This single center retrospective series of active cancer patients undergoing thrombectomy for large vessel occlusion demonstrates similar rates of recanalization, post-operative hemorrhage, and good outcomes. While the active cancer group has a high short-term mortality, the potential to maintain quality of life in the survivors makes thrombectomy reasonable in this patient population. Awareness of ischemic stroke as a complication of cancer and the safety of thrombectomy in this population are important as this population subtype is expected to grow with improved oncology and stroke care.

Mobile stroke care expedites intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular thrombectomy.

BACKGROUND: The number of mobile stroke programmes has increased with evidence, showing they expedite intravenous thrombolysis. Outstanding questions include whether time savings extend to patients eligible for endovascular therapy and impact clinical outcomes. OBJECTIVE: Our mobile stroke unit (MSU), based at an academic medical centre in upstate New York, launched in October 2018. We reviewed prospective observational data sets over 26 months to identify MSU and non-MSU emergency medical service (EMS) patients who underwent intravenous thrombolysis or endovascular thrombectomy for comparison of angiographic and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Over 568 days in service, the MSU was dispatched 1489 times (2.6/day) and transported 300 patients (20% of dispatches). Intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) was administered to 57 MSU patients and the average time from 911 call-to-tPA was 42.5 min (±9.2), while EMS transported 73 patients who received tPA at 99.4 min (±35.7) (p<0.001). Seven MSU patients (12%) received tPA from 3.5 hours to 4.5 hours since last known well and would likely have been outside the window with EMS care. Endovascular thrombectomy was performed on 21 MSU patients with an average 911 call-to-groin puncture time of 99.9 min (±18.1), while EMS transported 54 patients who underwent endovascular thrombectomy (ET) at 133.0 min (±37.0) (p=0.0002). There was no difference between MSU and traditional EMS in modified Rankin score at 90-day clinic follow-up for patients undergoing intravenous thrombolysis or endovascular thrombectomy, whether assessed as a dichotomous or ordinal variable. CONCLUSIONS: Mobile stroke care expedited both intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular thrombectomy. There is an ongoing need to show improved functional outcomes with MSU care.

Complications of transradial versus transfemoral access for neuroendovascular procedures: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Transradial access (TRA) has gained increased usage among neurointerventionalists. However, the overall safety profile of access site complications (ASCs) and non-access site complications (NASCs) of TRA versus transfemoral access (TFA) for neuroendovascular procedures remains unclear. METHODS: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis using a random effects model was conducted to investigate the pooled odds ratios (OR) of ASCs and NASCs. Randomized, case-control, and cohort studies comparing access-related complications were analyzed. An assessment of study heterogeneity and publication bias was also completed. RESULTS: Seventeen comparative studies met the inclusion criteria for final analysis. Overall, there was a composite ASC rate of 1.8% (49/2767) versus 3.2% (168/5222) for TRA and TFA, respectively (P<0.001). TRA was associated with a lower odds of ASC compared with TFA (OR 0.42; 95% CI 0.25 to 0.68, P<0.001, I2=31%). There was significantly lower odds of complications within the intervention and diagnostic subgroups. For NASC, TRA had a lower composite incidence of complications than TFA at 1.2% (31/2586) versus 4.2% (207/4909), P<0.001). However, on meta-analysis, we found no significant difference overall between TRA and TFA for NASCs (OR 0.79; 95% CI 0.51 to 1.22, P=0.28, I2=0%), which was also the case on subgroup analysis. CONCLUSION: On meta-analysis, the current literature indicates that TRA is associated with a lower incidence of ASCs compared with TFA, but is not associated with a lower rate of NASCs.

Noncurative microsurgery for cerebral aneurysms: a systematic review and meta-analysis of wrapping, residual, and recurrence rates.

OBJECTIVE: Microsurgery for cerebral aneurysms is called definitive, yet some patients undergo a craniotomy that results in noncurative treatment. Furthermore, the overall rate of noncurative microsurgery for cerebral aneurysms is unclear. The objective of this study was to complete a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantify three scenarios of noncurative treatment: aneurysm wrapping, postclipping remnants, and late regrowth of completely obliterated aneurysms. METHODS: A PRISMA-guided systematic literature review of the MEDLINE and Cochrane Library databases and meta-analysis was completed. Studies were included that detailed rates of aneurysm wrapping, residua confirmed with imaging, and regrowth after confirmed total occlusion. Pooled rates were subsequently calculated using a random-effects model. An assessment of statistical heterogeneity and publication bias among the included studies was also completed for each analysis, with resultant I2 values and p values determined with Egger's test. RESULTS: Sixty-four studies met the inclusion criteria for final analysis. In 41 studies, 573/15,715 aneurysms were wrapped, for a rate of 3.5% (95% CI 2.7%-4.2%, I2 = 88%). In 43 studies, 906/13,902 aneurysms had residual neck or dome filling, for a rate of 6.4% (95% CI 5.2%-7.6%, I2 = 93%). In 15 studies, 71/2568 originally fully occluded aneurysms showed regrowth, for a rate of 2.1% (95% CI 1.2%-3.1%, I2 = 58%). Together, there was a total rate of noncurative surgery of 12.0% (95% CI 11.5%-12.5%). Egger's test suggested no significant publication bias among the studies. Meta-regression analysis revealed that the reported rate of aneurysm wrapping has significantly declined over time, whereas the rates of aneurysm residua and recurrence have not significantly changed. CONCLUSIONS: Open microsurgery for cerebral aneurysm results in noncurative treatment approximately 12% of the time. This metric may be used to counsel patients and as a benchmark for other treatment modalities. This investigation is limited by the high degree of heterogeneity among the included studies.

Post-thoracotomy analgesia.

Thoracotomy is considered one of the most painful operative procedures. Due to anatomical complexity, post-thoracotomy pain requires multimodal perioperative treatment to adequately manage to ensure proper postoperative recovery. There are several different strategies to control post-thoracotomy pain including interventional techniques, such as neuraxial and regional injections, and conservative treatments including medications, massage therapy, respiratory therapy, and physical therapy. This article describes different strategies and evidence base for their use.